Treasures of the British Library

For more information

Open free of charge - the world's most beautiful and influential books and documents, from Codex Sinaiticus to the Beatles

The Sir John Ritblat Treasures of the British Library Gallery hosts more than 200 beautiful and fascinating items: magnificent hand-painted books from many faiths, maps and views, early printed books, literary, historical, scientific and musical works from over the centuries and around the world. Half of the items now on display have not been seen by the public for many years.

Here are just a few of the objects you can see:

Gutenberg's Bible of 1455

The Lindisfarne Gospels

Beowulf - the unique manuscript in Old English

Leonardo da Vinci's notebook

Shakespeare's First Folio

Diamond Sutra - the world's earliest dated printed book

Codex Sinaiticus - the earliest complete copy of the New Testament

Handel's Messiah - in the composer's hand

Magnificent painted books, such as the Luttrell Psalter

Celestial globe, 110cm across

Waterloo: War and Diplomacy

Until 6 September 2015

This display marks the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo, one of the most famous military victories in British history. It tells the story of the battle and the surrounding diplomacy through original documents written by those involved. It includes iconic documents such as Wellington’s account of the battle, ‘the Waterloo Despatch’, alongside accounts written by politicians, soldiers, diplomats and authors.

We thought the British Library was just a traditional library with the occasional exhibition, but had a little time to spend before catching our train at Euston. We were amazed at the permanent display in the Sir John Ritblat Gallery, and astonished to see originals of the Magna Carta, fascinating early books of all types and significant items right up to the present day. There was well written detail and historical context. Not to be missed!

The highlight for us was the Sir John Ritblat Gallery. It houses treasures such as the Magna Carta, the Gutenberg Bible, sacred texts from so many religions, all kinds of illustrated manuscripts, early books, music scores. It is all here, at the highest level one could dream of...

Everything from Magna Carta, Korans and Books of Hours and Buddhist & Hindu texts. Musical materials range from Handel to the Beatles including original scores written in the hand of the maestros themselves. Also scientific works - Darwin, Fleming etc. Literature from Dickens, Austen etc. All for free...

Wow! Just an amazing collecting for any book lover to see. From bibles written in 400AD to “the” Alice in Wonderland (the handwritten original that was given to “Alice” the inspiration for the story), to the original lyrics to the Beatles' “Help” as they were scratched out on scrap paper...

There are original sketches and notes of Leonardo da Vinci, works by Shakespeare, song sheets produced by Handel, Mozart and the Beatles and original handwritten letters from the Royal family and other important historical figures...

Note: items are taken off display on a regular basis for conservation reasons and may also be lent to other institutions for exhibition. If you wish to be sure that a particular item is on display, please check in advance. Tel: +44 (0)20 7412 7332